Before & After: A First-Time Homeowner Makes Over Her Kitchen

Homeownership is a huge step for so many people, which is why we'll always be impressed by those in their early 20s who take such a huge step and purchase a home. Courtney wrote to us to share her kitchen makeover in her first home, which she bought this year at just 23 years old.

Since she was working on a budget, she made several DIY updates to put her own stamp on her new space. Take a look at how much fresher it feels!

(Image credit: Courtney Elliott)

Doesn't it look so much fresher and up-to-date? Courtney made a few improvements — the biggest of which was installing a new tile floor. We love the large slab tiles she used, and the arrangement that's reminiscent of subway tile.

Courtney also added a bead-board backsplash above the counters and painted her cabinets. The white upper cabinets, which you can just see the edges of here, make the space feel much brighter and let Courtney play around with colors in other parts of the kitchen.

(Image credit: Courtney Elliott)

Finally, Courtney added a pub table to her kitchen. The best part is that she built it to fit the space out of copper plumbing pipes and a table top. We love the look of copper pipe in the kitchen. Great job, Courtney!